A Scottish band has released a charity single in memory of Barra teen Eilidh MacLeod, who died in last year’s Manchester Arena attack.
Ahead of the first anniversary of the attack, money made from Skippinnish’s single will go towards building a permanent memorial to Eilidh on Barra.
Titled Wishing Well, the song was written by Angus MacPhail, accordionist and founder member of the band in the wake of the tragedy.
Angus kept the background of the lyrics private until meeting with Eilidh’s parents and telling them that the song was written about their daughter.
The original song was released in December, but following on from meeting with the family, the lyrics have been added to and changed slightly to create this new version.
This new recording of the song was released last night, with all proceeds from the release going to the Team Eilidh fundraising group. It was also made available for pre-order on iTunes from May 14.
The fundraising group hopes to raise £5,000 to support the funding of a permanent memorial to the 14-year-old and to ensure her love of music lives on through the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band that she was a member of.
Members of Skipinnish are running the Edinburgh Half Marathon on the May 27 to raise money for the campaign and are joining Team Eilidh to run the Manchester 10K the week before.
Skipinnish’s Angus MacPhail said: “The very first summer that we started the band, we spent most of it on Barra and from then on we’ve had huge support over the years from the people of Barra and Vatersay.
“When tragedy strikes close to home it is felt deeply and this is a very small gesture of just doing what we can to help in these terrible circumstances.
“Memory is one of the most powerful means of dealing with tragedy and a memorial will hopefully help the family and the island heal together.
“If the song Wishing Well will also help this bright, talented piper and Highland dancer be remembered, then I’ll be very glad.”
Eilidh’s dad Roddy added: “We as a family love the song. For us, it brings us back to so many wonderful memories of Eilidh growing up here in the islands.
“We truly appreciate the support from Skipinnish and Malcolm Jones [from Runrig who produced and plays on the track]. We can’t thank them enough for writing and performing such a beautiful song for Eilidh.”
The song is available on iTunes.
